ALONG COMES MARY

Utah’s St. George Children’s Museum has an incredible passion for sparking children’s imaginations. The innocent exterior fooled me. As I walked by from our hotel the evening before our visit, I never would have guessed how elaborate the layout is.

The museum resides in the historic Dixie Academy Building. Dating back to 1911, the building was home to the first high school in St. George. The Children’s Museum officially opened in 2013 after several years of planning. A group of trailblazing local women, Paula Bell, Althea Southwick, Dawn Sandberg, and Kay Bowen, are the masterminds behind the St. George Children’s Museum. Together, they collaborated on their visions for children to have a space to play, create, and make discoveries of their own.

The museum features 10,000 square feet across two floors with 14 distinct rooms. Whether your kiddo loves to dress up or play car mechanic, there are endless opportunities for their imagination to soar. We loved each room, but these are the top five for Mabel.

The St. George Children’s Museum

Tuachan Theater

One of our favorite aspects of St. George Children’s Museum is that several play rooms are influenced by real places in Utah. The Tuachan Theater, inspired by the local amphitheater, instantly had my heart. Kids can create a show on the mini stage by using a lighting board and computer to amplify real songs out of the speakers. On either side of the stage are costumes and a dressing table with pretend make-up to get ready for your close up.

Smith’s Grocery Store

What’s a children’s museum without a market? Another sponsor-inspired room is Smith’s Grocery Store. They have everything a young grocery clerk or shopper needs. A variety of play fruits, vegetables, and food are sorted into sections to make for small aisles. There’s even a play refrigerated case! When it’s time to purchase your goods, there’s a checkout lane with a cash register and money.

Skywest Airport and Stephen Wade Auto Shop

This section was especially unique. How often do you see an airport and an auto shop at a play place? It was a first for us and a popular room to explore and pretend. At the airport, which is local to St. George, kids can wear uniforms to get through security with x-rays and scanners. They even have luggage.

At the auto shop, once again inspired by a local car dealership, youngsters can play with an interactive car. Check under the hood and that tire pressure.

Art Exhibit

On the lower level, Mabel adored the art exhibit. There’s a giant Lite Brite, art utensils, and loads of ways to get your artistic creativity out. Mix and match colors, learn about shapes, and just see where your mind goes.

Magic Castle

When a giant dragon atop a castle greeted us in the Magic Castle, I knew we were in a fun spot. In this space, kiddos can play dress-up, direct a puppet show, and even climb to the top of the castle. I loved how everything was kid-friendly yet still managed to feel larger than life at the museum.

Visit the St. George Children’s Museum

Mabel has asked me when we can go back to the St. George Children’s Museum. It left such an impression on us all, and I definitely will return whenever we are back in Utah. Although the museum is undergoing construction, it’s completely accessible. They’re open every day but Sunday. Get all of the info and plan a visit HERE.

Thank you so much to the museum for hosting us.